Emotive Group, which purchased the Jim Russell Racing Schools from Infineon Raceway just three months ago, unveiled plans on Thursday that will make the school the model of the industry.
Simon Holbrook, president of the Jim Russell Racing Schools, and Mark Miller, CEO/Principal MK Think Architecture, took part in the official groundbreaking ceremony at the raceway. Steve Page, president and general manager at Infineon Raceway, also attended the ceremony. The new campus will be constructed trackside at Turn 1.
“This opportunity has been 2 ½ years in the making and thanks to the support of Steve Page and Infineon Raceway, the team assembled here and our investors, it has become a reality, †Holbrook said. “It is truly an exciting time for our group, and with the completion of our Technology Center, campus, conference facilities and our new fleet of cars, we will be able to set the bar higher than ever before. “
Emotive Group is a London-based automotive marketing group whose United States division develops and executes top level manufacturer driving events. It also operates the Formula BMW USA Series on behalf of BMW motorsport AG and BMW North America. The group has brought substantial industry experience, world-class marketing and advertising, along with international financial acumen to the Jim Russell Racing Schools.
Emotive Group has spent more than $10 million on the project thus far, and Holbrook anticipates further investment that will help cement the Jim Russell Racing Schools as the premier racing school in the world.
“We chose to work with the Emotive Group on this project because of their commitment to quality, aesthetics and overall excellence in everything they do, †Page said. “This new campus will be a terrific addition to our facility and further cement the raceway’s standing as an international center of racing and automotive performance. “
Plans for the new school at Infineon Raceway include:
· 14,000 square-foot complex
· Technology Center featuring a multi-media theater
· State-of-the-art fleet of carbon-fiber racecars designed specifically for the school.
· Revolutionary school building design by MK THINK Architecture. The buildings are part of THINK’s FROG program (Flexible Response to Ongoing Growth) and are environmentally sympathetic.
Holbrook expects completion of the project by June 1. Drivers who have honed their skills over the years at the Jim Russell Racing Schools include current Formula One driver Scott Speed, and former Indianapolis 500 champion Danny Sullivan.
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